Juneau: Norris Adventure Seaplane, Paddle & Glacier Hike

When it comes to Alaska’s wild beauty, nothing beats a tour that combines the best of its rugged landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and awe-inspiring vistas. This 5-hour adventure by Above & Beyond Alaska offers exactly that — a chance to explore Norris Glacier through a rare mix of flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting. Led by knowledgeable guides like Reno and pilot Jason, this experience promises a taste of true Alaskan wilderness that’s as exhilarating as it is authentic.

What we love about this tour is how it packs three iconic experiences into a manageable timeframe, making it perfect for travelers with limited time but big adventurous spirits. The scenic floatplane flight over Taku Inlet gives you a perspective on the glaciers that’s hard to match, while the glacier hike provides a rare opportunity to step onto ice moonscapes, crevasses and moulins included. Lastly, paddling a packraft right up to the glacier’s edge feels like a secret, exclusive adventure you won’t find elsewhere.

A potential consideration? The physical demands — you’ll need to be comfortable with uneven terrain, paddling, and getting in and out of a floatplane. This tour isn’t suitable for young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility or health issues. But for active travelers seeking a compact yet comprehensive Alaska experience, this tour hits the mark.

Perfect for outdoor lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to see Alaska’s glaciers from multiple angles, this experience offers an authentic, hands-on glimpse of the Juneau icefield.

Key Points

• Incredible Scenery: Scenic floatplane flight offering views of Norris and Taku glaciers, along with chances to spot wildlife like mountain goats and bears.
• Unique Multi-sport Experience: Combines flightseeing, glacier hiking, and paddle sports — a first of its kind in Juneau.
• Small Group Feel: Maximum of 6 participants, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Reno and professional pilots add value with their insights and enthusiasm.
• Physical Activity: Expect hiking over uneven terrain and paddling, suited for active travelers without mobility issues.
• Seasonal Features: Glacier features such as crevasses and moulins may vary, adding a sense of discovery each season.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting the Journey: Easy Pickups and Briefing

The adventure kicks off with a pickup from one of eight convenient locations in Juneau, from the airport to central city spots. After about 30 minutes in a comfortable van, you’ll arrive at the airstrip or meeting point, where your guides will brief you on safety, what to expect, and tips for the day. This safety briefing is essential, as you’ll be climbing in and out of a small floatplane and navigating uneven terrain during your glacier hike.

The small-group size — limited to six people — ensures everyone receives attention and can comfortably ask questions. The tour’s flexibility and personal touch are part of what makes it stand out.

The Scenic Floatplane Flight: Getting a Bird’s Eye View

Once aboard the six-passenger floatplane, the real magic begins. The scenic flight lasts around 30 minutes, flying over the Taku Inlet and the surrounding glaciers. The views are stunning — vast icefields, rugged mountains, and the chance to spot wildlife like mountain goats, bears, and moose along the shores.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable pilot, Jason, for his professionalism and friendly demeanor. The flight is a highlight, offering panoramic vistas that are impossible to access by land, and giving you a sense of the scale and majesty of Alaska’s ice-covered wilderness.

Land at Norris Glacier-Fed Lake: The Launch Point for Adventure

Landing on Norris Glacier-fed lake, you step into a landscape that feels like another planet. The area is geologically carved, with striking ice formations, small pools, and icebergs floating in the cold water. Here, your guides will introduce you to packrafting, a growing sport that lets you paddle on water and make your way close to the glacier.

The guides are skilled at making everyone comfortable, regardless of experience. You’ll learn paddling techniques and get suited up with your single-person packraft, which is surprisingly stable and easy to maneuver.

Paddling to the Glacial Edge: An Up-Close View

As you paddle your way towards the glacier’s edge, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the ice. Keep an eye out for icebergs, crevasses, and moulins — natural ice features that constantly change as the glacier slowly moves and melts. The guide will point out interesting formations, offering insights into glacial geology.

Travelers like Eric, who left a 5-star review, appreciated the expert guidance and the stunning scenery. He mentioned Reno’s infectious energy and how she made the journey both informative and fun. The paddling is calm but engaging, providing a sense of being part of nature’s process rather than just observing it.

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The Glacier Hike: Walking on a Moonscape

When you reach the glacier, it’s time to don micro-spikes and step onto the icy surface. The guides will lead you over glacial terrain that resembles a moonscape — jagged ice, deep crevasses, and shimmering pools. Expect to explore crevasses, moulins, and ice formations, which are constantly changing features, adding an element of seasonal variation to the experience.

The hike is relatively moderate but requires good coordination and comfort on uneven surfaces. The guides are attentive and will help you navigate safely. The panoramic views from the glacier are breathtaking, with Norris and Taku glaciers looming in the distance, offering unforgettable photo opportunities.

Paddling Back and Returning to Juneau

After your glacier walk, you’ll slide back into your packraft for the return paddle to the lake. The journey back is peaceful and scenic, with floating icebergs and mountain vistas all around. Once back on shore, your floatplane will be waiting to take you back over the glaciers to Juneau.

The entire 5-hour experience is packed with adventure and awe — a perfect way to see Alaska’s glaciers from multiple angles, even if you’re short on time.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This tour is ideal for active travelers who want a comprehensive Alaskan adventure in a relatively short time. The combination of flightseeing, paddling, and hiking appeals to those eager to engage physically rather than just observe from a distance. The small group size fosters a more personal and memorable experience, while the expert guides ensure safety and enrich your understanding of the landscapes.

If you’re someone who values authentic outdoor experiences and appreciates stunning scenery, you’ll find this tour to be a highlight of any Juneau trip. The only caveat is that it’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues, as it involves some physical effort and uneven terrain.

Pricing and Value

While the exact price isn’t listed here, the value comes from the multi-sport nature of the tour, the small group size, and the expert guidance. Compared to booking separate activities — a flight, glacier hike, and paddle — this all-in-one package offers excellent value, especially for those wanting a full day’s adventure packed into just 5 hours.

Final Thoughts

For travelers craving a hands-on, active exploration of Alaska’s glaciers, this tour is a stellar choice. The stunning views, expert guides, and the mixture of activities provide a balanced, authentic experience that few tours can match in such a short period.

If you’re fit, adventurous, and eager to get close to Juneau’s glaciers on your terms, this experience will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired by Alaska’s raw beauty.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 due to physical demands and safety concerns.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for hiking and paddling. Bring layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes.

How physically demanding is the glacier hike and paddling?
It requires a good level of fitness, as you’ll be hiking over uneven terrain and paddling a packraft. You should be able to comfortably hike and paddle.

What kind of wildlife might I see?
Along the flight, guides often spot mountain goats, black bears, and moose along the shores.

Is there a chance I’ll see the glacier features change?
Yes, glaciers are constantly changing; crevasses, moulins, and ice formations may differ depending on the season.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified here, glacier features and scenery vary seasonally, so late spring through early fall is typically ideal.

This adventure offers a rare combination of scenery, activity, and authentic wilderness that’s perfect for those ready to get their hands dirty and their spirits lifted in Alaska’s magnificent landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby